A meeting is scheduled on January 27 at Mantralaya in Mumbai with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other ministers to discuss the issues raised by the protesters. CPI(M) leaders, including Politburo member Dr Ashok Dhawale, former MLA J.P. Gavit, Dr Ajit Nawale, Vinod Nikole, MLAs, and other concerned ministers are expected to participate in the discussions.
On Sunday, thousands of farmers and tribal residents began marching from Nashik towards Mumbai, demanding land rights and other key issues. After an agitation outside the Dindori Tehsil Office in Nashik district failed to yield any concrete assurances, the protesters carrying red flags and led by the CPI(M)-affiliated AIKS launched the long march.
The protesters decided to take their demands directly to the state government by marching to Mumbai on foot. They have also made arrangements for food, grains, firewood, and other essential supplies required for the duration of the protest.
In a recent update, CPI(M) stated,
“The CPI(M)-AIKS march of thousands of farmers, which began from Nashik on January 25, has covered nearly 60 kilometres in the last two days. On Monday morning, the march descended through Kasara Ghat and entered Thane district.”
Key Demands of the Protesters
Inclusion of names in 7/12 land records to secure land ownership rights
Implementation of the Forest Rights Act and issuance of individual and community forest rights certificates
Irrigation facilities and loan waiver for farmers in tribal areas
365 days of guaranteed employment under MGNREGA instead of the existing 200 days
Improvement in roads, water supply, electricity, education, and healthcare facilities in tribal regions
Action against police excesses and false cases
Implementation of tap water schemes in remote tribal hamlets under the Jal Jeevan Mission
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